Breaking Free

Forever #2.5

by LeAnn Ashers

Evelyn Dave became something I never thought I would have. He made me feel things I had never felt before and came into my life when I needed him the most. I felt protected, worshiped, and most of all, loved. I was loved fully, completely, and without restraint. He consumed me. Dave Evelyn was everything I never thought I would want or need. My life was dedicated to my work and any woman was far from my mind. But then she smiled at me and everything around me imploded. I had the overpowering need to protect her and make her mine. So that's what I did. But someone was trying to take her from me. What they didn't know was that I was willing to go to any lengths to protect her. They underestimated me, and what a deadly mistake to make...

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Adoption, Short Stories, Military Fiction, Abuse

75 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 2, 2016

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author LeAnn Ashers is a blogger-turned-author who spends her days reading and writing.

She released her debut novel early 2016, and can't wait to see where this adventure continues to take her.

LeAnn enjoys writing about strong-minded females and swoon-worthy, protective alpha males who love their women unconditionally.

LET'S CONNECT!

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Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/11207...

Reviews

[Gi's Spot Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 'Breaking Free' Stars

This story was so incredibly sweet, sexy, emotional and most of all enrapturing! LeAnn Ashers did a fantastic job in condensing all these elements in the most perfect of ways in this short little read.

Those of us that read Loving his Forever, knew that Dave and Evelyn’s reaction to one another would be give an epic love story of their own, but the result was so much more than we could have anticipated. It took as through an unforgettable journey, that showed us an immeasurably strong woman, Evelyn, that after all the hardships and nightmares that haunted her for years, found her HEA in the arms of a perfect alpha of man, Dave, that took that permanent weight of her shoulders, and brought a new light, safety and love into her life. He truly worshipped her in every way! Sigh…

Breaking Free brings us a older, more mature love, and not in any way less steamy! Their story was a true insta-love affair, and once they gave in to their attraction (which didn’t take long at all), they couldn’t be apart or keep their hand of each other. This more mature feel and absence of any pushing away, or fighting their feelings was also very refreshing, and made me devour the book even faster. And let me just tell you, that epilogue…Wow…Just wow…

This really was the perfect complement novella for Protecting His Forever and Loving His Forever (all of them must reads, IMO), and I can wait to read more about the rest of the enticing secondary characters that Ms. Ashers gave us in these books! <3 <3 <3 <3 <3


ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review



For complete review with Release Blitz and Giveaway, check out my blog post,
http://gisspotreviews.com/index.php/2...

[~Nichole~ Sizzling Pages Romance Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited to see Evelyn get an HEA with a true hero and Dave fit the definition perfectly. From the first protective instinct to his 100% never wavering devotion Dave stole my heart. Sometimes I just need to have low stress instalove reads. Where there's no inner relationship drama and fast moving plots. LeAnn Ashers is one that always checks those boxes. This relationship had the sweetest romantic trifecta of epilogues that had me grinning and teary. Just so good.

Can't wait for more.

[♡Tonya♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

** 4 cheesy grin stars **

Another short, yet satisfying read for me today! One of my favorite type of story is a ROMANCE where the couple remain strong and the drama is from outside sources. This couple got together and stayed together! I could kick myself that I hadn't read this sooner!

Dave and Evelyn - perfect couple. He is strong, alpha, sexy and protective. She is also strong. yet vulnerable. After all she had been through, I am thrilled she got her HEA.

~amazing, damn near perfect, alpha hero
~tough, strong heroine
~hero wasn't a manwhore and heroine had been celibate for a lengthy amount of time (hero's sexual past never mentioned)
~instalove - things happened at warp speed for them, but after both being single for so long they knew what they wanted!
~Absolutely no cheating
~OW drama - none
~OM drama - A man that had asked Evelyn out in the past caused trouble but this couple never wavered - she had never dated him.
~zero pushing away
~it was great seeing characters from previous books but the greedy bitch I am would have liked even more - maybe a novella or something *hint hint*)
~great cast of secondary characters and I hope each one of them get a story!
~Epic epilogue ~ this is how an epilogue is done ladies and gentleman. 1 year, 9 years and then 5 more years. I ate that right up with a big 'ol grin!

[May Reads Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5
I was privileged enough to receive an ARC of Breaking Free. Thank You for the opportunity!!

Breaking Free is Evelyn’s (Sydney’s [Book 1] and Ethan’s [Book 2] Mother) and Dave’s (Ethan’s CO from the Marines) story.

Ashers created this story to break your heart, then put it back together again. What Evelyn had been though does just that, it breaks your heart, but Dave is there to pick up the pieces and make her (and us as readers) whole again.

Like all of Ashers men in her books Dave is a loyal alpha male who fell in love on the spot. He is protective, and possessive and everything I love in a man when I read a book. Evelyn was a sweet as pie, strong as steel women, the two fit perfectly together.

I love how Ashers can write suspenseful love stories that flow so well and that are easy to read, and that is what this story was. You can also count on her to write a safe book, and I love knowing whenever I start reading a book from this author I don’t have to worry about BS nonsenses that some other authors create to make their books “suspenseful”.

I loved the older element that this book brought! And I totally want to read books from the other Silver Foxes of Dave’s Friends (Michelle and Daniel story in particular!). I also want to read their kids stories as well.

 LeAnn Ashers creates such great characters! I literally want a book for EVERY character I read from her books! She is one of my Top 5 Authors, and after reading her books you will see why! <3 <3

Summary:
Insta love romance
Super sweet 
super alpha
Suspenseful Romance
Safe read
A MUST read! 

[Darlene I read WAY to many books · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one is shorter and less drama than the other 2 stories.. plus the couple are in their 40s.

They deal with Evelyn's past and some rowdy guys in town angry that Eve is dating this new guy and not him (jealousasshole).. Dave (H) has already claimed Evelyn the first moment he met her at dinner with everyone.. she's his to protect. From anything that would hurt her.

 Plus he has few other retired men looking for love.. so maybe they'll have a shot in future books

No ow drama slight om drama, no cheating,  drama, secondary chara, sexy times, no virgins or manwhores

Recommend- maybe
Cover-⭐⭐⭐⭐

Prologue
Instalove/lust
Older couple
Mentions of kidnapping
Mentions of physical and mental abuse
Hea
Epilogue

[Fiction Junkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this just as much the second time around. Love that they were together through the whole story. Om drama from someone who wanted the h. Safety:The h was kidnapped and held for 4 years and had 2 kids with the kidnapper before she escaped. Wasn't descriptive. https://storiesinreview971130128.word...

[Sade · Rating 1 out of 5]

nopeeeeee, did not like this book at all. The writing style, the plot everything was just flat.
Looking at the clock i see it's eight o clock. I need to bring the horses inside of the barn for the night. "i need to take care of the horses" "I will go do that. Go start a bath"
*sigh* it felt like the speech was mechanical and just wasn't flowing.
It's a novella anyway so i can't be that mad but damn the author needs to step up her game.
Also Leann Ashers seems to have this need to have a bad guy in her book no matter how not needed the character is in the story.
P.S: Do women really fantasise about falling in love at first sight, finding some guy that will take control like that? I ask because most smut authors seem to be plugging this in all their books.
I mean Evelyn literally says in the first chapter "this is the first time i met him" and she lets him put her to bed.. i mean damn!!! Dude could have been a serial killer

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

The minute Dave saw Evelyn he knew was going to be his everything. Having been in the Marines for years, he never made time for a relationship but retired now he was ready. Evelyn though has secrets and a man who doesn't seem to want to let her go.

This was short but I think it also had too much in it, if that makes sense. I liked the concept but where I would ave liked a bit more development between Dave and Evelyn, there was a lot of extra parts of the story that had me scratching my head. Would give author another try though.

[Djg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet and loving fairy tale about Sydney & Ethan's mom Evelyn and Dave who was Ethan's C.O in the military. Sexy mature characters.
No cheating/separation. h has a stalkerish guy who she turned down dates with.
This author gives sugary sweet epilogues, whats not to like?

[Melissa Mendoza · Rating 5 out of 5]

“She closes her eyes, her little hands are shaking as she lifts them to my chest. I put my hand on her face and she opens them to my chest. I put my hand on her face and she opens her eyes, a tear falls and I catch it with my thumb.”

Heat Rating:




5 Breaking Free stars!!! Another phenomenal book by LeAnn!!




Evelyn has had a hard life, and that’s putting it mildly. And when she meets Dave she know she’s found the person who will make her feel safe and keep her out of harms way. The problem?? Danger is lurking behind her, but can Dave save her??

This is a quick read, but it’s perfect! Just the right amount of heat, suspense and romance! LeAnn knows how to write books that feature sexy alpha’s with HEA!!! She’s got me hooked!!! Can’t wait to read more from her in the future!

*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest bitchin’ review.
Reviewed by The Sarcastic Bitch from Bitches N’ Books

[Catherine Bibby (Rochelle's Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review

After reading Protecting His Forever and Loving His Forever and becoming addicted to LeAnn Ashers alpha, over protective, mouthwatering heroes, I couldn't wait to meet Dave and read his and Evelyn's story. When I originally opened up Breaking Free and stepped into this fictional world, I didn't realize that Evelyn was the mother to Sydney and Ethan who I had already fallen in love with in her previous books. Evelyn and Dave immediately swept me up in their passionate embrace and carried my heart along on their wild ride.

Evelyn is living her life, enjoying time with her adult children when a monster that she ran away from 24 years ago comes crashing back into her life. But little does he know that she has a new man who will do anything to protect her. LeAnn has her readers delving into the heart and mind of this older, more mature heroine, who has been through so much heartbreak and abuse and as had her soul rise from the ashes and become stronger. Evelyn finally gets to experience the rush and thrill of having a man who is worthy of her in every way.

Dave is a retired first sergeant in the Marines that will have readers everywhere saluting and giving their heart away. This silver fox has Evelyn in his sights and he plans to protect, cherish, and seduce her and infiltrate her world. If there is anyone who deserves an older, sexier hero that has her experiencing insta-love, and has her melting from head to toe, it is Evelyn and that delectable man is Dave. He can set any readers heart a pitter pattering with his talented hands, mouth, and his piercing gaze.

LeAnn Ashers delivers another steamy, heart twisting read that shows that love can come into your life at any age and should be cherished and celebrated. I highly recommend Breaking Free for a love story that will have you wrapped up in these intense characters from the first word to the last. I can't wait to read more of LeAnn Asher's stories and get another fix of her sexy suspense.

[Melody Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was quite a sweet read plus a great ending and three wonderful epilogues at 'one year later,' 'nine years later,' and 'five years after that which would make it fourteen years later.' I loved both of the main characters and want to read about the other men (five others excluding Dave) that share 500 acres together as a group of six. Dave was the only one who was not from Raleigh, Texas so he decided to move there. The men made a decision to buy some land and each would build a home on it. Dave was in late forties and the others were around the same age as they had been together from the beginning and they all retired together. They were close like brothers, maybe even more so.

Dave is our gorgeous retired military hero 'First Sargeant, Marines Corp' along with five other men. They are all single and have never been married. I don't know about the others but Dave has never been in a relationship. It was Evelyn's son, Ethan, who was under Dave's command and invited the ex-soldiers over for a dinner at his mom's house and upon sight Dave and Evelyn were gone on each other.

Evelyn, our heroine, is forty-six-years-old and she has two grown children that she adores and has spent her life protecting them. She was in a terribly abusive relationship and was treated as a prisoner. It was horrific and she has been running from her abuser for many years, constanly looking over her shoulder and knowing that if he ever found her it could be the end of her and their daughter. For some reason he despised his little girl so Evelyn had to escape to make sure he didn't abuse their children as he abused her for many years.

This is a safe read:
No cheating
No OW/OM Drama except in the first chapter with the kid's father.
Heroine celibate about twenty years.
Hero seemed like he'd been celibate for a long while but was never specified.

The writing was somewhat stilted and the use of contractions would have helped it flow more smoothly. I would definitely recommend this book and I am moving to another written by this author.

[April Symes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Breaking Free is Evelyn & Dave’s story. Evelyn is Sydney and Ethan;s mother , while Dave is Ethan’s CO from the Marines. It’s a hearbreaking story that will have you in tears yet will have you rooting for Eveyln to find happiness and joy after what pain and terror she went thru at that young age.
Evelyn moved to the big city with big dreams at 19 only to have those dreams taken from her when she was kidnapped and abused by that said kidnapper who was a stranger to her. She was held captive for several years and during this time , she has 2 beautiful children and when she has the opportunity to escape, she takes it and her children and they run.
During that time she was away from her kidnapper, she grew and watched her children grow. 24 years away and she thought the nightmare was over but suddenly just as she starts seeing this great guy, out comes the bad guy, the Freddie Krueger from her nightmares. Dave is one of the good guys who served his country and now he is out of the service and with a good woman and is ready to serve her and protect her- in any way she needs.
The novella type story is wonderful because we get the backstory on Sydney and Ethan’s mom and her life along with Dave, Ethan’s former CO and friend. There are a lot of questions that are cleared up and there are some twists and turns that take place. I loved how the author dealt with the sensitive topic matter with deft hand and made sure to make everything come across seamlessly. And it did, all beautiful and passionate and the heartbreaking parts , while it did make me cry, still had a place and moved thru the story just right. I do wonder if her son knew more than is suggested but that is for another story another day. There are some minor questions but over all, this is a good story that was perfect for the stories she has written for this series.

My rating: 4.4 stars ****
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evelyn lived a nightmare when she was younger, suffering greatly, until she got out alive. She never thought she would be able to move out of the overwhelming fear, which left deep scars, and she finds herself hiding away. Dave is a strong alpha male that falls completely for Evelyn from the moment he met her. He knows she's still haunted, but he makes it his mission to show her that she's safe now, and he would do anything to protect her. The more walls he knocks down, the more he leads her into living life again without fear. But will it possible for him to put the pieces of her heart back together again?

Another emotional read that triggered my dramatic girly girl emotions, and I became a blubbering mess. Although I'm usually quickly irritated with the overprotective, alpha male, but Dave imprinted on my heart. The character development is great, with a cast of colorful secondaries. LeAnn Ashers has quickly become an author on the list that I'll always read whatever they put out before reading the blurb. Her writing style is talented, and powerful while being highly addictive. Emotional angst, love growing between two strong characters, and add in some suspenseful twists, made it a book that became seriously addicting from the beginning. I believe the future is bright for this talented author, and I'll be waiting anxiously for her next story, so I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and devoured it in one sitting. I didn’t put this book down once and was satisfied with the ending.
Although I like this book and the previous two, I have to say they are all very similar storylines. The danger, the heroes’ actions and the adopting children storyline is in all three of the books. I am not complaining because I enjoyed this book and the previous two. But because of the similarities, this book was predictable. I knew what was going to happen before it happened. That being said, I liked that Dave and Evelyn gave Caleb and Brooklyn a home. I really want Brooklyn’s story at some point.
My favourite scene in this book was when Evelyn was reunited with her parents. My heart melted and my love for Dave grew because of him reuniting them. I liked the chemistry between Dave and Evelyn. I really liked them as a couple. After everything Evelyn had been through, she deserved to be happy. I cannot wait to read Daniel and Michelle’s story!
The storyline for this book is easy to follow and a nice read

[Jen_C · Rating 2 out of 5]

Evelyn has a certain something...it apparently made some random nameless dude see her and, at 1st sight, kidnap her, abuse her, impregnate her x2 and hold her hostage for 4 years. She escapes and never contacts her father (a COP) or mother for 27+ years. Details were sketchy.

Then Dave meets her and, within hours, falls for her, protects her, spends the night.

THEN some dude named Marcus becomes obsessed with her and starts trouble on her 1st date with Dave, but first his friend waves his dick at her in a bar....Holy freaking cow does that escalate!

From there it gets even more unbelievable.

[Courtney Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! This book was great!! I'm so glad we got Evelyn's story cause God knows she deserves her happy ending....even if it took 20+ years for her to get it! Evelyn was hurt when she was younger and suffered until she got out. She's been hiding for so long until she meets Dave and he saves her. He shows her how much she deserves happiness and to feel safe again. God help anyone who wants to hurt her now cause he will mess them up! This was a great read and well worth the wait! I was given an arc from the author for my honest opinion. I loved it and can't wait for her next great story.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first time I have read any of this authors work, and my word, it will not be the last. I am going to be 1-clicking the other books. This is the story of Evelyn and Dave. After Evelyn had to endure so much pain and terror at a young age, she deserves some happiness and some joy in her life. Dave is a hot loyal alpha, and he is determined to protect and love Evelyn no matter what.
This is a fast paced, short story, but I was enthralled throughout, and I cannot wait to read more of this authors work. I recommend her work to all romance lovers.

[Sarah Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utterly fantastic

Wow, this story was incredible. We have Evelyn, Ethan & Sydney's mother & Dave, who is a total alpha. Can these two make it through or is someone in the way. We find out why Evelyn has to constantly move & it's heartbreaking. But just one look from Dave & he's mad up his mind, she will be his!!
The book had everything. Some twists, suspense. Sexy times. Must read. & definitely start with Sydney's story you don't want to miss out on this series.
Great writing. Can't wait for Daniel & Michelle's story.

[Theresa Alberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

Breaking Free by Leann Ashers is a cute standalone romance that shows you in the face of a tragic part of your life, you can be strong, independent but still find the love of your life you've been waiting for. This quick read is full of insta-love, alpha males, and aggressive guys who don't get the hint.

3 stars

[Beth Diaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compassionate, sexy, addictive books

Is the first book for Leann Asher, one that I found after having read some of her Grim Sinners MC series and the Devil's Souls MC Series. Now I get from where thus men get to be so possessive and protective. Evelyn story is a very sad one given all that happened to her along her life. She thinks that love will never find her, little dis she knew that it would, and when she would needed the most.

Dave served with Evelyn's older so n in the military, and comes home to Raleigh Texas with him. Along with Dave 5 other men will arrive, and I suspect that each and every single o ne of their lives will be forever change. Dave arrives in the perfect moment, were he would be able to make Evelyn see him as her white knight in a shining armor. The rest is definitely history, as Dave claims her for himself that same moment.

This men though everything they have gone through during the war are very just, humble and compassionate human beings, they are not as sin, and a lo t if women drool afyer them without the understanding that once they mark their territory no one else exist for them, except the one.

The way this characters are presented is what attracts me the most about Leann Ashers writing. As the teaching through them is to never, ever judge a book by its cover.

Amazing writing, books everyone should have.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Baby, I will not let a man disrespect you like that. Never again.”

Evelyn has had a very traumatic past, and with everything in her has tried to escape it. Evelyn has done everything she can think of to keep herself and her children safe. Well everything except move on. Dave is a fellow marine who was in charge of keeping her son safe. Ethan (her son) invites Dave and some friends over for dinner at his mom’s but as the dinner is being finished an unexpected and most definitely unwanted guest shows up on her front steps. The man who stole her, the man who held her, the man who forcibly conceived two children with her. She lashes out at him telling him to go away as Dave stands guard over her offering his protection to her. She gladly accepts.
Dave is hooked on the petite woman. She may be scared to death but she’s got a fire inside of her just waiting to explode. Dave and Evelyn’s relationship is very demanding, hot and fast. Dave can’t wait to settle down with Evelyn the only problem he has now is some guy that’s not willing to take no for an answer. He wants Evelyn, and if he can’t have her then no one will. Now Dave will race against time to keep her safe, but will it be enough?

[AudreymlHawkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Glad Evelyn got her HEA

Love getting Ethan and Sydney’s mom’s story. Have been waiting for this story since the scene in Sydney (or maybe Ethan’s) book when their dad comes to her house. I like Dave and how he steps in to protect Evelyn. Not a big fan of how things go from there. I’m glad she feels protected and safe when he’s around BUT I feel like there’s not a lot there for them to build a relationship on. There’s hot sex, but not a lot of relationship development. Would’ve like to have had closure between Evelyn and the kids dad given their past. And yes, I know he gets his in Sydney’s story but still with Evelyn that felt like a cliff hanger. I do love that she and Dave both find their HEA and that she reconnects with her parents; so sweet!!! Just overall needed a few more details.

[Carrie Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short story with a HEA!

I'm really enjoying reading all of the books by LeAnn Ashers! I had already read all of the books in the Forever Series, then found that I had missed this one.

[Ann Gibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evelyn's story was perfect!

Wow! I loved getting Evelyn and Dave's story. They were the best fit for each other and their story was full of emotion, drama, love and laughter. Another wonderful read!

[Elaine Sturgill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read

So glad the story continued. I was going to see if there was a book about Evelyn and Dave and then found it! Love it

[Jamie Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read

This was a great read. I love the fact that Mom finally got something good.This has been a wonderful series!

[Cassandra Rodgers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking

You read snipats of her story when you read Ethan and Sydney's stories, but her shirt story makes you laugh and cry...

[Jeri L. Moseley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

LeAnn writes such amazing books. I love everything about her characters and the world she's created. Read them they are all great.

[Jessica Feeney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an emotional, sweet and good for your soul type book. I loved Evelyn and Dave’s story and how he stepped up to protect her and gave her the life and love she deserves.